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Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of AlkaloidRich and Alkaloid‐Free Aqueous Extracts of Rhazya stricta Leaves
Author(s) -
Yaghmoor Soonham,
Baeshen Nabih,
Kumosani Taha
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.lb83
Subject(s) - genotoxicity , clastogen , alkaloid , micronucleus test , mitotic index , pharmacology , biology , comet assay , rapd , traditional medicine , apocynaceae , micronucleus , dna damage , toxicity , botany , chemistry , medicine , biochemistry , mitosis , dna , genetics , population , environmental health , organic chemistry , genetic diversity
Rhazya stricta (Apocynaceae) is popularly known as “harmal” and is used in folk medicine in the form of decoctions to treat illnesses that include diabetes mellitus, fever, sore throat, inflammatory conditions, and helminthiasis. Despite its widespread therapeutic use, there is a lack of data regarding its in vivo genotoxic effects. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the possible genotoxic and clastogenic effects of R. stricta extracts in Rattus norvegicus rats. Three prepared Rhazya extracts (whole aqueous, alkaloid, and nonalkaloid) were independently administered to rats by oral gavage. At the indicated time periods, blood samples were drawn from control and treated animals and leukocytes were isolated and subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)‐PCR and comet, micronucleus, chromosomal aberration, and mitotic index assays. The results showed that whole aqueous and alkaloid, but not nonalkaloid, extracts of R. stricta altered the genomic RAPD profile, induced significant DNA damage, significantly increased micronuclei formation, induced chromosomal aberrations, and decreased the mitotic index at all tested doses. Under our experimental conditions, the data obtained suggest that oral administration of R. stricta extracts causes genotoxicity and clastogenicity in rat leukocytes. The significance of these findings is discussed in light of the use of these plants as therapeutic agents.